Opticians were able to discover a tumour in a Cambridge man’s eye following a routine eye check-up.

Now Robert Jones, 66, is speaking out on National Eye Health Week about the importance of regular eye checks after he was diagnosed with a malignant tumour in his retina.

Mr Jones went for an eye test at Specsavers in Cambridge, Lions Yard, after he was unable to measure-up while doing DIY at home.

He had experienced blurred vision in his left eye and so booked an appointment straight away on June 5, 2017.

A state-of-the-art ocular coherence tomography (OCT) machine was used to capture a clear photograph of the back of his eye.

Mr Jones said: “My eyes were thoroughly examined by Harry, the optometrist, who was very concerned about a small lump in the retina of my left eye.

“He showed me a cross section using some new technology and referred me to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.”

After further investigation by the hospital, Mr Jones was further referred to Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, where he was diagnosed with malignant transformation of suspicious choroidal naevus.

He underwent laser therapy between July and November 2017, and in June this year he was told there had been a significant regression of the lesion.

Store manager of Specsavers in Cambridge, Lions Yard, James Dye said: “Many people tell us they don’t come in more regularly because they don’t think their vision has changed, but our technology can detect more than just prescription.

“That’s what National Eye Health Week is all about. We can identify eye conditions early – such as glaucoma and cataracts – and serious health conditions.

“We’re so glad that we were able to help Robert. This is a perfect example of why our optometrists suggest having an eye test at least every two years or if you experience any blurring, fuzziness or flashes.”

Mr Jones added: “I can’t thank Specsavers enough. I have been very pleased with the care of all of the specialists concerned but I am especially grateful to Harry Stewart at Specsavers for his diligence, his careful explanations of my eye condition, and his very swift follow-up.”

National Eye Health Week, which raises awareness of the importance of eye health, runs between September 24-30.